Question about CPUs

techhead287 · Mar 16, 2015

I was taking a look at some parts for a build I might be making soon, and the CPU I was looking at was an Intel Core i7-4790K. One very interesting thing I noticed was that Intel's ARK processor page stated that this 4.4GHz quad-core 8MB cache CPU cost $330 - while the 3.1GHz dual-core 4MB cache i7-4510U in my current laptop was shown as $390 on Intel's same ARK page.

So I'm wondering, why does this worse performing 4510U cost considerably more than the higher performing 4790K?

theveterans · Mar 16, 2015

It's a lot harder to make a low voltage CPU that can go up to 3.1 GHz stable.

popeye · Mar 16, 2015

Yep, a desktop CPU versus a laptop CPU. A bit like comparing apples to oranges.

LMiller7 · Mar 17, 2015

Laptop and desktop CPUs are not the same and it is not possible to make direct price comparisons between them. It is essentially comparing apples and oranges. In a desktop CPU performance is a major priority and that is what you are paying for. Designing and building a CPU that must operate under the severe constraints of a laptop is something entirely different. As enormous amount of effort has gone into building such a CPU with low power consumption yet still provides acceptable performance and can be sold at a reasonable price. This is far more difficult than most people imagine. The operating constraints of a desktop CPU are much less severe and it should not be surprising that you can get more performance for a lower cost.